Jim James Covers Gram Parsons “Hot Burrito #1”

The other day I was talking to someone who wasn’t familiar with Gram Parsons and implored them to listen to “Hot Burrito #1” — a track Gram wrote with Chris Ethridge for the Flying Burrito Brothers and one of the best ballads of all time, in my opinion. It’s just perfect in every way.

And the reason I know about it myself is in large part because of Jim James. Before I worked for KCRW, I was part of a team promoting a couple Gram Parsons tribute concerts held in LA and SB in 2004.

I was tasked with calling Jim and interviewing him about why he loves Gram Parsons. I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone talk more passionately about music than I did that day. I was sold.

Jim ended up covering “Hot Burrito #1” for KCRW and I dug up that version to share with you.

Hot Burrito #1 covered by Jim James